A Simple Transaction I

son et lumiere · May 18, 2020

[X] The Sword That Ends the World
[X] Seven Seals
[X] Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress
[X] Retinue
[X] Intensify

It is time for Praxis.

George · May 18, 2020

Aabcehmu said:
That is a strong point. Would anyone be interested in the broad gist of my scepter build, but swapping out Forbear's Blade for Gisena?

Can you clarify exactly what it is? if I'm deducing it right from the three posts, I don't see why you'd take Forebear's Blade over Hunger with Accretion.

Rihaku · May 18, 2020

BrainInAJar said:
Can we get Catherine to train Gisena?

Yes, but that's unlikely to yield any sort-term results of significance. Retinue only works on their primary focus.

formalAI said:
[X] The King's Scepter
[X] Seven Seals
[X] Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress
[X] Hunger
[X] Forebear's Blade

The King's Specter so that the quest doesn't end early, Gisena and the Forebear's Blade combined with Seven Seals provides curses mitigation amongst numerous other benefits, while Hunger will greatly increase our progression speed overall.

You could give your plan a name so others are more likely to pick it up!

Dark Lord Bob said:
On that note, @Rihaku what actually is it we get by buying someone as a companion? Their presence, or cooperation, or obedience, or what?

Their presence. The Accursed has determined that they would be compatible with the hero.

OctarineShrike · May 18, 2020

Disappointed as I am by this result, here goes with some impressions/analysis. Word Count after I dump this into Libreoffice if that means anything(Edit: 360 Words).

Rihaku said:
The winning vote is Vendetta. Given the nature of Vendetta, please choose a Vendetta subvote alongside your votes below.

[ ] The Sword That Ends the World - Access to the Praxis, the fearsome supernal art of the Accursed himself. Only access, no immediate power. Given the obstacles arrayed before you, even if you choose optimally at each juncture, there is a between 1/3rd and 2/3rds chance you will die within the first few fights. Thread participation will not be able to change this, but you are free to take this risk. No one can say I have not repeatedly warned you.

Nothing to say here that hasn't already been said. If this is picked we are probably going to need to dedicate everything to some method of survivability.

Rihaku said:
[ ] The King's Scepter - The Accursed will grant you some degree of immediate power, which can be leveraged into further growth and which will provide substantial safety in the early stages of your journey.

Not sure if this gets us Enhanced Seven Seals or a Second Power at the moment.

Rihaku said:
I'm going to eliminate Battle Mastery of the three systems, but Accretion and Seven Seals are really close in terms of thread participation. As we build momentum, I hope we will be able to decisively close out these votes in a more timely fashion. Either way, this initial period of character creation is coming to a close. Please choose one of:

[ ] Accretion

[ ] Seven Seals

Both of these have curse mitigation potential, however, using Seven Seals in conjunction with Forbear's Blade leads to even more curse mitigation potential. Take Seven seals, forbear's blade, and Gisena and you get one Curse Mitigation build. Take Prolessarch and Forbears blade with Seven Seals and while you don't get Gisena's Curse mitigation, you get his insights as a force multiplier towards applying Seven Seals to Curse Mitigation.

It's possible that Accretion gives us a physical defense of a Mauveshirt Quality(Barring King's Scepter upgrade) suit of platemail that protects us from death against attacks not strong enough to annihilate the platemail. If that's the case it's better than nothing in spite of the lost curse mitigation opportunities.

---

Rihaku said:
Cursebearer, Select 3 Lesser Remittances

Companion:

[ ] Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress

Physical **

Social ****

Mental ****

On the brink of her execution by a mighty foe, the Nullity Sorceress employed a novel and highly risky application of her powers to tear a hole between realms. Nihilistic, cunning, and disarmingly vivacious, she is an exceptionally talented technologist and socialite. Beautiful, and fond of using her charms to tease, manipulate, and frustrate friend & foe alike.

Modestly superhuman strength, speed, constitution, appearance, and quickness of thought. Her Sorcerous Graces allow her to nullify, negate, or weaken a very broad range of supernatural effects, or, in theory, aspects of reality. Well-suited to Curse mitigation. Can continue to advance by attaining Coalescences.

High Curse mitigation utility. If you let her stack Coalescing with Retinue benefits she becomes even more ridiculous. Worth considering in general, I can't think of any setups at the moment she'd be bad for.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Ceathlynn "Catherine" of Amarlt

Physical *****

Social * / ***

Mental **

Considered a failed prototype in the Amarlt family's disavowed eugenic super-soldier program, Catherine was relegated to the role of a lab assistant in the Astral Exploratory of her nominal House. A high-energy rift experiment gone wrong displaced her in space and time. Hurled centuries into the future, she is now the sole pureblooded inheritor of the Amarlt lineage, the main branch having long consumed itself in a fiery internecine war.

Though she possesses peak human reflexes, agility, kinesthetic sense, bodily coordination and melee combat skills, lacking any supernatural abilities she is little more effective than most humans against soldiers armed with guns. However, virtually any form of supernatural augmentation or equipment would act as powerful force multipliers for her. For example, she has an astonishing talent for piloting advanced weapons systems. Reserved and timid, she has not yet found her self-confidence in social situations, though she displays implacable will in the pursuit of any mission assigned.

An insurance policy/protector if we take Sword and Retinue.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Prolessarch [2 Remittances]

Physical **

Social ***

Mental *******

A lich who studied under a legendary Great Sage, the easy-going and adventurous Prolessarch completed a powerful spell which allowed him to traverse the void between dimensions. Though he has lost the vast majority of his magics in the process of powering his immortality, he still possesses a keen analytical intellect capable of insights well into the superhuman range. A human supremacist and somewhat set in his views; the topic of elves is one of the few issues that can rouse him to anger.

A masterful researcher into all forms of supernatural power, his prodigious intuition allows him to grasp foundational insights with startling frequency. Though this is perhaps less relevant for abstract systems such as Accretion, it will certainly be a boon for other systems you encounter. Though his undead frame is no faster than a well-trained human, it possess a corpselike resilience and the ability to drain the life essence of sapient beings. Possesses functional immortality; he cannot be killed until all trace of his memetic legacy is erased from the universe. Able, convivial, a fiercely loyal friend, a monstrous and unwavering foe.  

Unconcerned with the vast array of magical powers he has lost; confident in his ability to acquire temporal power when needed, though it bores him.

"Easy come, easy go, hm? Now tell me more about this 'Astral' Exploratory of yours!"

A Force multiplier toward Seals and Praxis research.

Artifact:

Rihaku said:
[ ] Hunger

A ring of power, two thin bands of black surrounding a band of blood-red. When worn, it merges onto the finger, unable to be removed. The user's appetite for all the visceral pleasures of life is notably sharpened, increasing motivation and drive but with the obvious side effects. Indestructible as far as you can tell.

Dramatically reduces the benefits of training, but explosively increases rate of progression during active conflict. An active Cursebearer would progress many times faster in total. You don't have to wear it yourself.

Use Extreme Caution with Sword Builds.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Talon

A long, raking talon of yellowed ivory, stained with blood on its lower side and warm to the touch. Upon slaying an enemy of notable strength, the body can be processed to yield an amount of wealth, resources, or relevant equipment commensurate to the power of the foe. If the bearer is in particular need of food, water, or shelter, slain foes become more likely to provide an appropriate resource. Can break, but can repair itself from a sliver by feeding on a notable foe's blood. Intimidating if worn.

This is Doom of the Tyrant insurance if it turns out we can't function in the City.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Forebear's Blade

Reforged shall be blade that was broken.

Accretion - Infused with a spark of Accursed power, the blade slowly repairs itself as you progress, assuming a new form well-suited to the character and strengths of its master. As your power grows, so too shall its form be refined, become ever sharper and mightier without limit.

Seven Seals - The Soul Evocation of the chosen hero was Imprisonment, the power to seal. This blade extends, reinforces and magnifies the power of the soul, vastly enhancing the unique affinity of its wielder. Those struck by its edge can be sealed with far less resistance, while energies striking its flat are easily imprisoned. Seals draw by its point hearken as if cut into the primordial clay, becoming easier to comprehend and more potent in function. Increases effectiveness of Imprisonment on Curses.

A Choice between a Zanpakuto or Curse Mitigation+a Kamehameha Defense. I would only recommend this for Seven Seals builds.

Upgrade:

Rihaku said:
[ ] Retinue - You may designate up to five members of your Retinue. Each reduces your rate of Progression by 25% multiplicatively. Each advances in their primary area of specialization with Progression one-fourth the potency of your own. Needless to say this is an outrageous and irreplaceable boon. Retinue companions are easy to add, costly to remove.

Your Retinue companions may with a short ceremony voluntarily pledge loyalty to any member of your retinue or yourself. This axiomatically prevents that character from betraying the one to whom they have so pledged. Breaking a pledge is possible but is always time-consuming, obvious over any distance, extremely onerous and afflicts the forsworn with a particularly ironic flavor of the Apocryphal Curse centered upon themselves. Pledges can be voluntarily released by mutual agreement in a less time-consuming process.

You may pledge loyalty to Retinue companions as well. Pledges may be mutual or not, mutual pledges may be simultaneous or not. You must add a character to the Retinue before pledges (from or to) can be made.

Good in conjunction with Gisena or Catharine. More helpful if we take Sword than Scepter.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Intensify - Sharpens and narrows the domain of your Primary Remittance.

*The King's Scepter - Substantially increases power level at the cost of non-combat versatility. Better fulfills its function of initial security and leverage, but scope of action is less broad.

*The Sword - Substantially increases rate of progress and overall effectiveness of the Praxis, but prevents you from ever employing any other supernatural arts. The jack of all trades cannot overcome the master of one.

This is a terrible idea in conjunction with Sword for reasons I've already gone into. I like it in conjunction with King's Scepter if it's a power independent of Seven Seals, because the Utility and Curse mitigation is a sizable chunk of the point of Seven Seals. If King's Scepter affects Seven Seals, I would not recommend it.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Relinquishment - For each decade of service as a Cursebearer, gain one week of freedom from your Curses. Your burdens will be transferred to volunteering Cursebearers for that time. You are free to travel even with the Geas but must be back before the week is over. You may improve the term and frequency of Relinquishment by mitigating your Curses more.

This Gets periodic respite from our curses over time, with all the potential for Tactical benefits in addition to the Fluff value.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Accursed Favor

Forgo a Lesser Remittance. Causes the Accursed to like you slightly more. Benefits uncertain, can be taken multiple times.

Wildcard and I have no idea what else to say here.

BrainInAJar · May 18, 2020

Everyone, remember to vote for our original magical style as well.

I don't see how Intensify would actually help us survive compared to another person or Forbearer+Seal; and losing literally all our magical power right when we arrive is terrible! We still want toi be able to defends ourselves somewhat.

I also think getting Hunger over Retinue is kind of stupid no matter what. We have been beaten over the head with how awesome Progression-types are; the ability to make mini-ones sounds incredible. Especially if they can put in more effort than us, we'd actually be gaining power.

Rihaku said:
Their presence. The Accursed has determined that they would be compatible with the hero.

Wow, this makes Retinue even more valuable as an enticer.

TwistedJester · May 18, 2020

@LordOfMurder

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From what I can tell this is a decent representation of the Praxis, though according to Rihaku it is a bit short on options. To answer your question on the Praxis from what we can tell it can replicate any effect given time though lags behind somewhat in Support based spells.

Aabcehmu · May 18, 2020

George said:
Can you clarify exactly what it is? if I'm deducing it right from the three posts, I don't see why you'd take Forebear's Blade over Hunger with Accretion.

Hunger and Forebear's Blade both serve to increase the speed of our Progression, Hunger by way of directly multiplying our XP gain from active combat and the Forebear's Blade by creating a feedback loop between our Progression and our Accretion. The latter, however, seems significantly more consistently and less risky, since it doesn't destroy our ability to train.

Shard · May 18, 2020

King Scepter (Upgrading our existing system) +Seven Seals +Hunger+Forebear's Blade+Intensify should be relatively powerful. Self-contained curse mitigation, high power and relative versatility all in one package. The Hero starts highly experienced with that art to begin with as well.

KidFromPallet · May 18, 2020

[X] The Sword That Ends the World

Yeah, gonna stay true to Sword. Time for that sweet sweet Praxis lore.

[X] Seven Seals

Seven Seals gives way more utility than Accretion, so it's got my vote. Remember, utility can be leveraged into increased multipliers and thus increased power. Plus, it appears they help with Curse mitigation, judging from the blurb about the Forebearer's Blade. So, uh, yeah. Innumerable weaker conceptual effects + utility better than 2-3 stronger semi-random conceptual effects. Also, the easier path to Curse mitigation.

[X] Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress

After much thought, I've chosen Nullity Girl. Not only does she help with Curse mitigation right off the bat, which'll do wonders to increase our vacation time, she's also a social-specced minion that we can rely on so we don't risk proccing Doom of the Tyrant. Also, another person to help us in battle should help with survival chances a little.

[X] Forebear's Blade

Boosts Seven Seals, and thus the effect that Seven Seals has on Curse mitigation. Also boosts any utility and multipliers we can get out of Seals, so that's nice. Additionally, it's an immediate power boost to the magic system our Hero already knows, so that should help a bit with survivability in the early game. Must pick.

And despite Gisena being unusually suited to Curse mitigation, I'm willing to bet that in the long run 100% Growth Seals + Forebearer's Blade beats 25% Speed Growth Nullity Magic + 75% Growth Seals.

[X] Relinquishment

So holy shit, this is the Holy Grail of Curse mitigation. Like, one week free of them every ten years is already super good, but the fact that the duration increases and the recharge time decreases makes it OMGWTF levels of good. Seriously: Just imagine what could be possible for a Cursebearer that's free of their curses for a week. These deific beings are literally only held in check by their Curses, the possibility to slip that leash occasionally is extremely hax.

In short, this build optimizes for Curse mitigation and the ability to leverage said mitigation for all it's worth.

And now to look at what other options are available.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Ceathlynn "Catherine" of Amarlt

Only peak human is a strike against her, though she'd be pretty great to give stuff we get via the Talon.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Prolessarch [2 Remittances]

"So I heard you like Baenlixnaire" the option. While help IC in optimizing our magic systems is great, 2 Lesser Remittances mean he's just not worth it.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Hunger

Given that Sword starts with a starting power of 0, I can't countenance this option. It'd probably massively increase our growth overall, but we need training out of battle to git gud. In another world, I would take this option. But like Intensify, it restricts our options right at the start of the game, when we need them most.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Talon

Super useful. Gives us a way to get commodities that doesn't require us to tiptoe around Doom of the Tyrant. If there were four picks, this would definitely be mine. Unfortunately, three others are just that much better, so it's down here with the other rejects. Would allow us to truly walk the path of the murderhobo, and Seven Seals would ensure we always have space to carry our loot.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Retinue

Cripples our growth to guarantee loyal companions. Unfortunately, 25% of our growth is still gonna get whorfed, though having absolutely loyal companions does help a bit. This is the option to choose if we had gone Sleep, because our growth would've already been neutered and we would've gotten powerful and unquestionably loyal companions to guard us while we were unconscious. Could possibly be useful if we hook Gisena up to it to massively boost her Curse mitigation.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Intensify - Sharpens and narrows the domain of your Primary Remittance.

Not worth. Both options restrict versatility, which is definitely no bueno. Less bad for the Scepter, but not having Accretion or Seals or literally anything else with Praxis would suck hard.

Rihaku said:
[ ] Accursed Favor

It could even be a boat! While the most powerful option, I'd like to save experimenting with Accursed Favor until we choose a Primary Remittance that's suited for it, like Three Wishes.

Aabcehmu · May 18, 2020

Shard said:
King Scepter (Upgrading our existing system) +Seven Seals +Hunger+Forebear's Blade+Intensify should be relatively powerful. Self-contained curse mitigation, high power and relative versatility all in one package. The Hero starts highly experienced with that art to begin with as well.

Scepter + Intensify eliminates our Scepter's non-combat utility, which likely means that it can no longer be used as a General Buff to our underlying magic system, and in particular either means our Scepter is entirely disjoint from Sealing or else significantly hampers our ability to use Seals out of combat (and thus, hampers our ability to use them to Mitigate).

LordOfMurder · May 18, 2020

BrainInAJar said:
Everyone, remember to vote for our original magical style as well.

I don't see how Intensify would actually help us survive compared to another person or Forbearer+Seal; and losing literally all our magical power right when we arrive is terrible! We still want toi be able to defends ourselves somewhat.

I also think getting Hunger over Retinue is kind of stupid no matter what. We have been beaten over the head with how awesome Progression-types are; the ability to make mini-ones sounds incredible. Especially if they can put in more effort than us, we'd actually be gaining power.

Wow, this makes Retinue even more valuable as an enticer.

Intensify increases the speed with which we learn the Praxis, this is vitally important if we take sword because our original magic style is basically worthless to begin with and we haven't learned any of the Praxis yet. By doubling down on Praxis we decrease the time we're vulnerable substantially and in the long run we don't lose anything because the Praxis has limitless potential.

Fumbles · May 18, 2020

[X] Plan: Hyperbolic Time-Mecha
[X] The Sword That Ends the World
[X] Seven Seals
[X] Ceathlynn "Catherine" of Amarlt
[X] Talon
[X] Retinue

So Talon can make relevant equipment, which means a lot for Ceathlynn. The hope is that between stacking up that equipment, using Seals for support, and of course giving her Progression, we could bootstrap up enough to have her carry Mr. Protagonist through the perilous early game.

This could easily be non-viable if we're not in a position to hunt for materials via talon, such as arriving on a death world where our two intrepid losers can't kill so much as a single hyper-squirrel, or a civilized area with nothing to murder without serious legal ramifications, for example.

If it does work, the limits of the Talon are pretty important. I'm hoping it can provide fully formed complex weaponry to suit Ceathlynn, and I'm praying it can spit out a mech if we can kill a kaiju.

I'm not married to this plan at all, just trying to find fun stuff.

Edit: forgot my bracket x thingy

Shard · May 18, 2020

Aabcehmu said:
Scepter + Intensify eliminates our Scepter's non-combat utility, which likely means that it can no longer be used as a General Buff to our underlying magic system, and in particular either means our Scepter is entirely disjoint from Sealing or else significantly hampers our ability to use Seals out of combat (and thus, hampers our ability to use them to Mitigate).

I think Kings Scepter can still be used in that regard with Intensify.

Aabcehmu · May 18, 2020

Shard said:
I think Kings Scepter can still be used in that regard with Intensify.

In what regard?

OctarineShrike · May 18, 2020

Retinue helps Gisena continue to provide curse mitigation value over time, Forbear's Blade and Seven Seals for more mitigation. And the world is going to need it considering we have Decimator's Affliction making us rightfully the enemy of all life. Gisena edition is used to distinguish it from a Curse Mitigation strategy based on using Prolessarch as a force multiplier for Seals Research with Forbear's Blade.

[x]Plan Maximum Curse Mitigation(Gisena Edition)
-[x]The King's Scepter
-[x]Seven Seals
-[x]Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress
-[x]Forbear's Blade
-[x]Retinue

Shard · May 18, 2020

Aabcehmu said:
In what regard?

Amplifying our existing magical system. It already exists, after all.

BrainInAJar · May 18, 2020

LordOfMurder said:
Intensify increases the speed with which we learn the Praxis, this is vitally important if we take sword because our original magic style is basically worthless to begin with and we haven't learned any of the Praxis yet. By doubling down on Praxis we decrease the time we're vulnerable substantially and in the long run we don't lose anything because the Praxis has limitless potential.

We have the power of a common soldier in our world. If we pick Intensify, we would be literally a cripple. (Missing an eye, hand, and lung)

Rozencrantz · May 18, 2020

My fellow Praxisites, the final stretch has come ~~shame Dread lost~~
If we wish to survive long enough to get ~~Praxis lore~~ VENGENCE, we must

Live by the Sword, (probably) Die by the Sword
A Lesser Remittance Analysis:

[ ] Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress

Physical **
Social ****
Mental ****

On the brink of her execution by a mighty foe, the Nullity Sorceress employed a novel and highly risky application of her powers to tear a hole between realms. Nihilistic, cunning, and disarmingly vivacious, she is an exceptionally talented technologist and socialite. Beautiful, and fond of using her charms to tease, manipulate, and frustrate friend & foe alike.

Modestly superhuman strength, speed, constitution, appearance, and quickness of thought. Her Sorcerous Graces allow her to nullify, negate, or weaken a very broad range of supernatural effects, or, in theory, aspects of reality. Well-suited to Curse mitigation. Can continue to advance by attaining Coalescences.

A useful and flexible companion. I'm not familiar enough with OG simple transaction to be able to judge how effective her reality negation will be, but even with just her debuffs, she'll be able to mitigate the risk of esoteric opposition that the other companions can't deal with.

[ ] Ceathlynn "Catherine" of Amarlt

Physical *****
Social * / ***
Mental **

Considered a failed prototype in the Amarlt family's disavowed eugenic super-soldier program, Catherine was relegated to the role of a lab assistant in the Astral Exploratory of her nominal House. A high-energy rift experiment gone wrong displaced her in space and time. Hurled centuries into the future, she is now the sole pureblooded inheritor of the Amarlt lineage, the main branch having long consumed itself in a fiery internecine war.

Though she possesses peak human reflexes, agility, kinesthetic sense, bodily coordination and melee combat skills, lacking any supernatural abilities she is little more effective than most humans against soldiers armed with guns. However, virtually any form of supernatural augmentation or equipment would act as powerful force multipliers for her. For example, she has an astonishing talent for piloting advanced weapons systems. Reserved and timid, she has not yet found her self-confidence in social situations, though she displays implacable will in the pursuit of any mission assigned.

A Suizhen expy, and the best combatant available here, in theory. With the Talon, we'll be able to outfit her with the gear she needs to live up to her potential. Initially though, she's just dead weight.

[ ] Prolessarch [2 Remittances]

Physical **
Social ***
Mental *******

A lich who studied under a legendary Great Sage, the easy-going and adventurous Prolessarch completed a powerful spell which allowed him to traverse the void between dimensions. Though he has lost the vast majority of his magics in the process of powering his immortality, he still possesses a keen analytical intellect capable of insights well into the superhuman range. A human supremacist and somewhat set in his views; the topic of elves is one of the few issues that can rouse him to anger.

A masterful researcher into all forms of supernatural power, his prodigious intuition allows him to grasp foundational insights with startling frequency. Though this is perhaps less relevant for abstract systems such as Accretion, it will certainly be a boon for other systems you encounter. Though his undead frame is no faster than a well-trained human, it possess a corpselike resilience and the ability to drain the life essence of sapient beings. Possesses functional immortality; he cannot be killed until all trace of his memetic legacy is erased from the universe. Able, convivial, a fiercely loyal friend, a monstrous and unwavering foe.  

Unconcerned with the vast array of magical powers he has lost; confident in his ability to acquire temporal power when needed, though it bores him.

"Easy come, easy go, hm? Now tell me more about this 'Astral' Exploratory of yours!"

Best girl. Most benefits are long term, but they presumably retain some basic combat diagrams. Useful as an immortal tank early on, and as a research assistant later. Unfortunately, that price tag makes justifying taking them in a Sword build difficult. Incompatible with Intensify.

[ ] Hunger

A ring of power, two thin bands of black surrounding a band of blood-red. When worn, it merges onto the finger, unable to be removed. The user's appetite for all the visceral pleasures of life is notably sharpened, increasing motivation and drive but with the obvious side effects. Indestructible as far as you can tell.

Dramatically reduces the benefits of training, but explosively increases rate of progression during active conflict. An active Cursebearer would progress many times faster in total. You don't have to wear it yourself.

A trap option for Sword, since it means we can't go hide in a cave and grind Praxis. It also negates the primary advantage of the Sword as an avenue for growth with different limitations than the standard system.

[ ] Talon

A long, raking talon of yellowed ivory, stained with blood on its lower side and warm to the touch. Upon slaying an enemy of notable strength, the body can be processed to yield an amount of wealth, resources, or relevant equipment commensurate to the power of the foe. If the bearer is in particular need of food, water, or shelter, slain foes become more likely to provide an appropriate resource. Can break, but can repair itself from a sliver by feeding on a notable foe's blood. Intimidating if worn.

A major drawback of Tyrant is that it basically locks us out of any civelized interaction in the early game. This gets us critical resources and power... after that first fight. Synergy with Catherine, since it lets us buff her ASAP.

[ ] Forebear's Blade

Reforged shall be blade that was broken.

Accretion - Infused with a spark of Accursed power, the blade slowly repairs itself as you progress, assuming a new form well-suited to the character and strengths of its master. As your power grows, so too shall its form be refined, become ever sharper and mightier without limit.

Seven Seals - The Soul Evocation of the chosen hero was Imprisonment, the power to seal. This blade extends, reinforces and magnifies the power of the soul, vastly enhancing the unique affinity of its wielder. Those struck by its edge can be sealed with far less resistance, while energies striking its flat are easily imprisoned. Seals draw by its point hearken as if cut into the primordial clay, becoming easier to comprehend and more potent in function. Increases effectiveness of Imprisonment on Curses.

Accretion get us a guaranteed useful artifact, but Seven Seals is the real winner here. Better initial combat power and long-term scaling are fantastic. Incompatible with Intensify.

[ ] Retinue - You may designate up to five members of your Retinue. Each reduces your rate of Progression by 25% multiplicatively. Each advances in their primary area of specialization with Progression one-fourth the potency of your own. Needless to say this is an outrageous and irreplaceable boon. Retinue companions are easy to add, costly to remove.

Your Retinue companions may with a short ceremony voluntarily pledge loyalty to any member of your retinue or yourself. This axiomatically prevents that character from betraying the one to whom they have so pledged. Breaking a pledge is possible but is always time-consuming, obvious over any distance, extremely onerous and afflicts the forsworn with a particularly ironic flavor of the Apocryphal Curse centered upon themselves. Pledges can be voluntarily released by mutual agreement in a less time-consuming process.

You may pledge loyalty to Retinue companions as well. Pledges may be mutual or not, mutual pledges may be simultaneous or not. You must add a character to the Retinue before pledges (from or to) can be made.

The strongest option here, short of Accursed Favor. Does nothing for our initial chances of survival, but may be useful in the medium term, depending on how fast we grow early on. Incredible long term, and offsets the main (long term) drawback of Intensify. We need companions for this to be useful, but we're definitely taking at least one.

[ ] Intensify - Sharpens and narrows the domain of your Primary Remittance.

*The King's Scepter - Substantially increases power level at the cost of non-combat versatility. Better fulfills its function of initial security and leverage, but scope of action is less broad.
*The Sword - Substantially increases rate of progress and overall effectiveness of the Praxis, but prevents you from ever employing any other supernatural arts. The jack of all trades cannot overcome the master of one.

The double or nothing option. We trade our initial power for faster progress, and also give up any other magics that could shore up the Praxis' weaknesses. If we survive our first fight we'll be able to get our potential online sooner, but surviving that first fight is a big if.

[ ] Relinquishment - For each decade of service as a Cursebearer, gain one week of freedom from your Curses. Your burdens will be transferred to volunteering Cursebearers for that time. You are free to travel even with the Geas but must be back before the week is over. You may improve the term and frequency of Relinquishment by mitigating your Curses more.

[ ] Accursed Favor

Forgo a Lesser Remittance. Causes the Accursed to like you slightly more. Benefits uncertain, can be taken multiple times.

A luxury we cannot afford

My vote:
[X] The Sword That Ends the World
[X] Seven Seals
[X] Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress
[X] Talon
[X] Forebear's Blade

Box Lunch · May 18, 2020

Mulling over build possibilities...

On the one hand, Ceathlynn + Talon + King's Scepter + Seven Seals is really solid. Protector with high fighting stats to guard us while we build power through synergies is basically Nameless -lite.

On the other, there's a very low chance Sword won't win. Gisena + Talon + Forebear + Accretion pushes back the death clock as far as possible. It's dirtier than trench warfare, but it would scratch the Praxis itch at least.

PrimeNumber · May 18, 2020

[x]Plan Maximum Curse Mitigation(Gisena Edition)
-[x]The King's Scepter
-[x]Seven Seals
-[x]Gisena Allria, the Nullity Sorceress
-[x]Forbear's Blade
-[x]Retinue

BrainInAJar · May 18, 2020

Fumbles said:
I'm not married to this plan at all, just trying to find fun stuff.

I actually like this plan a lot, especially if we can use Seven Seals to alter what otherwise would be common equipment. She also has a bigger reason to stick with us, since has has no magic of her own, making her dependent on us to progress, unlike Gisena, who can Coalesce. Let me vote for it even.

[X] Plan: Hyperbolic Time-Mecha
[X] The Sword That Ends the World
[X] Seven Seals
[X] Ceathlynn "Catherine" of Amarlt
[X] Talon
[X] Retinue

LordOfMurder · May 18, 2020

BrainInAJar said:
We have the power of a common soldier in our world. If we pick Intensify, we would be literally a cripple. (Missing an eye, hand, and lung)

Gisena can just carry us! In fact if we just have Gisena run away holding us we can flee from things while still studying the Praxis!

Fumbles · May 18, 2020

Plan: Best Boy
[ ] The King's Scepter
[ ] Seven Seals
[ ] Prolessarch
[ ] Accursed Favor

Who needs another remittance when you got a lich? For real tho, Retinue is a hard waste with Prolessarch. He's uninterested in pursuing temporal power and can study the cool places and things we show him just fine as an immortal genius. If you wanna be more careful or something you could swap out Accursed Favor for Forebear's Blade so we can mitigate stuff easier, but i can't fathom why anyone would ever swap out Accursed Favor.

Enohthree · May 18, 2020

[X] Relinquishment

Sleep beckons for me, but some closing thoughts.
The hero was fated to win, but some outside factor screwed over his fated one season isekai.
There are hidden opponents, strong enough that a Combat type cursebearer can't contest them dead on.
The hidden opponent didn't stomp the Tyrant.
Regalia mentions timeline reversal not effecting other cursebearers.
Regalia was superior to Lesser Wishes' time travel because it's better in Cursebearer vs Cursebearer match ups.
Geas of indenture's whole shtick is occasionally killing heroes or screwing over heroes.

Is it possible, then, that the hidden master is a Cursebearer themselves, and screwing over the hero's attempts to better people was their task? Would explain why a newly minted combat Cursebearer couldn't contest them.

Aabcehmu · May 18, 2020

Shard said:
Amplifying our existing magical system. It already exists, after all.

That's fair, but if it's intensified, then the only aspects of our Sealing (or Accretion) that it could possibly enhance are combat functions, which I'm willing to bet is not going to include generalized Curse Mitigation.

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